Justin Snaith has reported on www.goldcircle.co.za that his Vodacom Durban July contenders Elusive Silva, Platinum Prince and African Night Sky could not have pulled up better than they have after their performances at Greyville on Saturday.
Star Express holds off an unlucky African Night Sky
Snaith believes his Gr2 WSB 1900 winner Elusive Silva has a shout in the July and said about the five-year-old Silvano gelding, “He is not one of the best horses in the race but has as much chance as any of the rest. He could be put on the second tier, whereas there are some horses who have no chance. He won the Winter Derby in an absolute canter, so 2200m is probably his best distance. He is not weighted out of it and he loves Greyville. So he has more going for him than not. if I can get him to the course in good condition on the day it would be no surprise to see him run in the first four.”
Elusive Silva – back in the July picture
Elusive Silva has been given a four point raise to a new merit rating of 111 and is rated a 15/1 shot for the July.
Platinum Prince was most unlucky. He came from last and his long stride was putting him into contention when a gap closed on him, which was not altogether surprising as there was no false rail. When he got through he stayed on strongly and was just pipped for third by the equally unlucky Matador Man. Snaith said, “He would have gone very close.”
The Silvano gelding did not appear on the first July log so will have to have another race to qualify. Snaith said he would go for the Cup Trial on June 9.
The best July trial of all on Saturday was put up by African Night Sky, who sliced through the field from the back in a Pinnacle event but was hampered in the process. He has duly gone to the top of the July betting boards.
Snaith said, “It was an unbelievable prep, he should never have lost. He was hit on the hindquarters and was knocked sideways – he looked like he was one of the horses in my polo game on Sunday. But he came out 100% sound and will also run in the Cup Trial.”
Star Express won the Pinnacle event and her July participation will be discussed with the connections. He said, “She is a very good filly. Every now and then her feet give her trouble but she has run second in the Majorca twice and is a genuine Gr1 filly.”
